The Vasa! Gorgeous view as we headed into the harbor - the first time there was anything to watch as we came in. Had decided before we got there that we would spend our time at the Vasa Museum - great choice. Got transit tickets from the information kiosk, and instructions on which bus, metro and trams to take - and did OK until we hit the transition from Metro to tram - but a local who leads walking tours for the City information booth heard us talking, and said she felt it was her duty o show us the way. We prolly would have muddled it out, but with her help we were walked through the underground mall (missing the rain) in 5 minutes and caught a tram sitting there and waiting - got to the museum by 9:30, and it was relatively quiet.
We then spent the next three hours exploring everything - the Vasa is a 1600's ship that went down on its maiden voyage, only to be found in the harbor 333 years later, and salvaged such that 98% is original. Thoroughly enjoyed the museum. Also decided we were happy we hadn't used the NCL tours, if the rudeness of the one tour guide we encountered was typical of their lot.
Started back towards the main center, intending to take the metro, but ended up hearing the marching band headed for the palace, and the changing of the guard. So we followed! Saw them marching, saw the palace courtyard, and the changing through the back gate a bit, but with construction and crowds, were content with our glimpse.
Walked through the old town center, seeing a few of the sights, and enjoying the pedestrian streets, before heading back to the metro and walking to the ship. All in all, an enjoyable day, and all said they would be happy to visit Stockholm again. We treated to the same lovely view of the harbor and islands, habitués and uninhabited, as we headed back out to open water.
No comments:
Post a Comment